DISQUS

fwiw, I used to work at New Line years ago and got a pretty clear view of how this happens. I was very political and drawn to NL in part because it made films with African-American actors and storytellers.

I was told, at the time, that the focus groups showed that Latino/a people didn't prefer to see Latino/a people in films, therefor it wasn't necessary to cast them. This was around the time NL was picketed by people protesting the casting of a white actor as Frida Kahlo.

In lead roles, the whitewashing is attributed to tying the film to a "name" meaning someone who can open a film. The film financial projections are run based, in part of that actor's BO track record. If the actor is not a feature "name" (ie. already proven) that makes it highly unlikely they'll be cast.

In character roles, I don't think you can whitewash even the racism of it. The only thing i can think of is that whomever's got final casting decisions (generally white dudes) believes he's selling to other people like himself and so only picks what he believes will work.

Check out Jennifer Yu's Ping Pong Playa...I have an interview with her I'll post soon on heathergold.com/show

I think there's slightly more progress being made on TV now Shonda Rhimes clearly puts a priority on diverse casting. And, of course we have the Intertubes where anyone can make and distribute anything they want: including Asian male leads and smart women who take action .

One thing to consider is the social and emotional function shopping has had for many Americans. This country needs more public space in which people can connect with each other and experience meaning.

Malls were as much a "place to go together" and "something to do" not to mention a place to cruise. Dating and "hanging out" happen online now of course, but where else do they happen?

Consumerism has functioned for many Americans as an opiate for real political choice ("which model do you want to buy?") and self-empowerment ("I'm doing something!").

I am happy to see this change. Social functions stil need fulfilling and that means opportunities.

Nice post Stowe. At the end of the day all we have is each other. The more people connect with each other, the more bonds of trust will build and more trade with each *other* will be enabled that is of true value to each of us.

I suggest some of that time, that 20%, be put to increased self-awareness. That will likely come as you change is forced anyway. It will build as you do anything new with your time. Change can make you aware that what you do is a choice, an option, whether it's the food you eat or the people you choose to spend our time with.

The core of the economy is an exchange of value. Well do you value yourself and your time? How much? This is a time in which people will have the opportunity to understand that.

What will you do with 20% of your time?

Great post. Very insightful. I found you through your post to the NYT story.

Just had to take a moment to tell you how happy your blog (and this vid) makes me.

Thanks Bar

Thank you for getting video of someone I want to hear from....someone relevant whom I don't get to hear from on TV.

I'm a white chick who grew up in Canada hearing my family talk in that "respectful" way about "articulate black people" without understanding the condescension in that. I wish that hearing from peeps like Cordell was an *average* moment on MSM. But blogs like yours are making that change. And an Obama presidency will hopefully make this a more typical moment.

Thanks from the heart, heather